Olde Cottage, Chester

The curtains were drawn across the Olde Cottage windows, so I thought it was closed as I approached on a recent Monday evening, but it was open so I popped in to find a U-shaped pub with a central U-shaped stool lined serving counter. The four hand pumps were drawing Otter Bitter, MBH Dark Nebula Vanilla Stout, Wye Valley’s HPA and Weetwood’s Turncoat, the latter being OK but very citrus. Banquettes and tables run around the exterior walls and red and white fairy lights line the ceiling. There’s a dartboard on the rear wall to the right and some random background music came from the jukebox. This is a decent enough pub that’s worth popping into if passing.

Visited on a Friday afternoon just after 2pm back in April. Four hand pulls, all of which were on. I had the Castle Black Stout by Merlins (a Cheshire brewery) at £2 for a half. It was quiet at the time of my visit, and I was initially the only customer. This is a traditional carpeted pub with a central bar, etched windows, dark wood beams and a real fire (not in use at the time of my visit). Pump clips are on the beams to show the range of ales that has previously passed through the pumps. There was a TV on showing the horse racing. Beer literature is on a shelf by the front of the pub including copies of the GBG and similar. A beer garden is advertised but not investigated. Definitely worth a visit when in Chester.

This is a cracking little pub and I've no idea why we haven't been in before. Mock Tudor frontage and a very pleasant traditional interior. Lot's of different areas, although it's all one room really. Very friendly welcome from the staff. 4 handpumps and judging by the two pints I had the beer was in very good nick. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely call in again.

Strangely, as I’m a frequent visitor to Chester, this was my first visit to this well known pub. Very traditional interior and furnishings complemented by a stack of framed Camra awards, a selection of old GBGs dating back to 1977 and the usual beer mat and clip collection on the beams. It also has a dress code of sorts and toilets labelled “Lavatory”. Four pulls of excellently kept beers on the right hand counter face, Wye Valley HPA, Otter Bitter, Big Hand Appaloosa and Draught Bass for contrarian boomers, decent mixture coming soon from Tatton, Merlin, Woodfordes and Weetwood. It’s not all old Skool as the left hand counter has the small keg range, Guinness USB fitting and there’s a juke box. I can see the charms of the place, it is just a shame about the late opening even on Saturdays.

A superb Pub Man's pub. It’s unashamedly old school – a comfy, traditional 60's refit U-shaped interior with ceiling beams, frosted windows, banquettes, pub carpet, dark varnish wood. Dart board and pool spotted, I assume the bagatelle is still around but I didn’t venture to the far end of the left hand side. Telly competing with music was a slight grate. Four pumps, all on; Wychwood Dirty Tackle, Otter Bitter (NBSS 3.5) Timothy Taylor Golden Best (NBSS 3) and White Rat (NBSS 4), a solid line-up of Beers You’ve Heard Of. The friendly barmaid gave us some free credits on the jukey. The atmosphere was friendly, convivial and the place was a general joy to be in. The best in Chester for me and should be the ‘must visit’ when you’re in town.